Live-stock-releasing device



(No Model.) 2 Shets$heet 2.

G. H. THOMPSON, 7 LIVE STOCK RELEASING DEVICE:- H

N0 355,668. Paj oented Jan. ,4, 1887.

Fries.

PATENT GEORGE H. THOMPSON, OF READING, PENNSYLVANIA.

LlVE-STOCK-RELEASING DEVICE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 355,668, dated January 4. 1887.

Application filed April 13, 1886. Serial No. 198,746. (No model.)

To aZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, GEORGE H. THOMPSON,

of Reading, in the county of Berks and State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Live-Stock-Releasing Devices; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

My invention relates to an improvement in live-stock-releasing devices.

The object of my invention is to provide an expedient device for releasing horses and cattle from their confinement in case of fire or other casualty.

With these ends in view my invention consists in certain novel features of construction and combinations of parts, as will be hereinafter fully described, and pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1' is a plan view of a series of stalls with the partitions in normal adjustment. Fig. 2 isaplan view showing the partitions opened. Fig. 3 is a vertical section showing one partition in closed adjustment. Fig. 4 is a detached view of an improved snap, and Fig. 5 is a view of a modified construction.

A represents the wall or side of a barn, and B the floor, resting on joists O. Extending along the side of the wall A, and preferably elevated a few feet above the floor B, there is a series of mangers, D, corresponding in number with the stalls in front of which they are located. A rod, F, preferably of iron, extends throughout the length of the mangers, and is secured on the outer edge by the straps or sockets F. The ends of the rod F extend through the walls of the building and are formed square or other angular shape to receive the jaw of a crank 0r wrench, w, whereby the rod may be rotated. The partitions I between the stalls are rigidly joined to the revoluble posts J, the ends of which have bearings in the floor B and the stringer K and at points opposite the said posts J the rod F is provided with a pair of spring-jaws, H, facing each other, at sufficient distance apart to receive the partitions I and hold them in engagement as long as the rod F retains the position shown in Fig. 1. These jaws are secured at their outer ends to the rod F, and their inner ends rest a end of the rod F through the notches i in the edge of the partitions. The cable Lis provided at each end with a ring, M, which catches over the spring-hooks N, secured to the rod F, near the ends thereof, Where it is held by the crank-shaped door latch or bolt m of the door. The latches m are held in proper position by theengagement with the springhooks N, which latter are sufficieuttohold thelatehes in position under ordinary circumstances; but the latches can be locked on' the outside of the doors by any approved means. As soon as the latches are turned away from the hooks the rings M of the cable are free to fall.

The snap h may be constructed of round, flat, or square material, and consists ofa metallic strip or wire bent into a goosenecked hook, q, at one end, and formed into a loop, 1', at the other end, thence its end extends through a slot or perforation, s, where it terminates in a tongue, t, which prevents the snap from dropping the cable.

The operation of the device is quite simple. When it is desired to free the horses or cattle, a crank or wrench, w, is applied to one of the square ends of the rod F and turned to the right ninety degrees, or thereabout. By so doing the spring-jaws H are turned upwardly, or away from the partitions,and the latter are set free to swing. The spring-hooks N are at the same time drawn from the door-fastening m, dropping the ring M. The doors 0 are then unfastened, and by grasping the ring M at the end of cable L all of the horses or cattle may be led out the aisle, which forms as the partitions are swung open by the friction of the cable,or by the engagement of the snaphooks therewith, or by both.

The swinging of the partitions is not only desirable in time of fire, but it is also a convenient arrangement for ease in cleaning the not brought into use.

It is evident that many slight changes might be resorted to in the form and arrangement of the several parts described without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention;

1 hence I do not wish to limit myself strictly to the construction herein set forth; but,

Having fully described my invention,what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is.

1. In a livestock-releasing device, the combination, with a revoluble rod secured across the heads of a series of stalls, of a cable parallel to the rod, means for attaching the same to the rod,and means for attaching horses and cattle to the cable, substantially as set forth.

2. In a livestock-releasing device, the comation, with a revoluble rod secured across the heads of a series of stalls and springhooks secured to the rod, of a cable supported 3o'along the rod and provided with rings at its ends adapted to engage the said hooks and be released therefrom by the rotation of the rod, substantially as set forth. i

3. In a livestock-releasing device, the com- 3 5 bination, with a revoluble rod secured across the heads of a series of stalls and a cable attached to hooks at or near the ends of the rod, of a latch or bolt secured to the stable-door and adapted to hold the cable in engagement with 40 the hooks, substantially as set forth.

4. In a live-stock releasing device, the combination, with a revoluble rod secured across the heads of a series of stalls, of a cable and devices for holding the cable to the rod, the

5. In a livestock-releasing device, the combination, with a series of stallsseparated by swinging partitions, of a. revoluble rod secured across the stalls and provided with spring-catches adapted to lock and release the said swinging partitions, substantially as set forth.

6. In a livestock-releasing device, the combination, with a rod secured across a series of stalls separated by swinging partitions, of a cable suspended in the free edges of the swinging partitions, hitching devices secured to the cable, spring-jaws for locking and releasing the partitions. and hooks for holding and releasing the ends of the cable, the said jaws and hooks being secured to the rod, substantially as set forth.

7. In live stock-releasing devices, the com bination, with a rod secured across a series of stalls separated by swinging partitions, of a cable suspended in the free edges of the swinging partitions, hitching devices secured to the cable, springjaws for locking and releasing the partitions, and hooks for holding the ends of the cable, the said jaws and hooks being secured to the rod, substantially as set forth.

8. The combination, with the revoluble rod provided with the jaws for locking and releasing the swinging partitions, and the hooks for receiving the ends of the hitching-cable, of the swinging latches adapted to simultaneously lock the doors and the cables, substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof I have signed this specificationin thepresence of two subscribing witnesses.

GEORGE H. THOMPSON. Witnesses:

ISRAEL H. ROTHERMEL, MosEs H. ROTHERMEL. 

